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- The University of Utah terminated Sigma Nu fraternity for hazing and policy violations.
- An investigation revealed coerced alcohol consumption, illegal substance use and property damage, among other things.
- Sigma Nu won't be eligible to reapply for university recognition until 2031.
SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah on Tuesday announced it terminated Sigma Nu's fraternity chapter recognition, ending the fraternity's affiliation with the U. for at least six years.
The termination comes after an investigation into allegations of hazing new members during the fall 2024 and spring 2025 recruitment period for new members.
In a May letter to Sigma Nu leaders, Vice President for Student Affairs Lori McDonald called the chapter's pattern of hazing new recruits and violations of university policy "egregious," adding the chapter has had a history of alcohol-related violations and destruction of property over the past six years.
The investigation, which began in January, confirmed a number of incidents, including:
- Coerced consumption of alcohol and unregistered parties.
- Requiring chores and cleanup of chapter facility, sometimes in the early hours of the morning and after fraternity parties.
- Encouraging the purchase and use of illegal substances to meet new member interview requirements.
- Blindfolding and transporting new members to an exotic dance club for pledge interviews.
- Coerced participation of new members in initiation weekend activities at chapter home, including blindfolding, requiring memorization of songs and member information, cleaning and staying overnight on the basement floor.
Investigation details
A redacted investigation report from the university further details factual findings of the allegations.
One incident consisted of new members being placed in a circle and instructed to drink and then pass a case of 30 beers and handles of vodka and whiskey around the circle. The rationale behind this, according to the report, was to not leave the new member at the end of the circle with a large amount of liquor or alcohol to consume with the ultimate goal of becoming a "better team."
The investigation also revealed that a Halloween party at a venue in Salt Lake City was funded primarily by new members, with contributions ranging from $150 to $300 per new member.
The blindfolding incident, which was described in the report as "forced kidnapping," involved new members being instructed to come to the chapter house wearing suits. When they arrived, they were blindfolded and told they were being taken into the mountains by active members.
New members would then be driven around by active members before stopping at the destination, which turned out to be an exotic dance club in South Salt Lake. There, the new members would conduct interviews with active members present, according to the report.
During the fraternity's formal weekend — a social event with fraternity and sorority members at an off-campus location — in November 2024, the chapter rented a property near Bear Lake. The following month, the university received a notice from the rental owner alleging the fraternity caused damage totaling about $41,000 to the property.
"At present, the matter is still ongoing," reads the report. "The property owner has also indicated plans to seek litigation measures if a resolution of the matter and outstanding balance of damages and related expenses are not paid by the end of March 2025."
One section detailing various "pledge roles" undertaken by members as part of their new member process was entirely redacted, as was a list of "goot names," which the report said were names assigned to new members by their older "goot masters."
What's next?
McDonald, in her letter, said the behavior met all three categories of hazing — subtle, harassment and violent — as outlined by the Office of the Dean of Students.
"I do not have confidence the Sigma Nu chapter will follow the university's directions, policies or the terms of a suspension, and therefore, termination of the university recognition of the chapter is warranted," McDonald said.
Sigma Nu is the fourth U. fraternity to lose its official recognition from the university since 2002, with the last, Kappa Sigma, being allowed to reinstate its recognition in January of 2024.
The U.'s Greek Council Executive Board issued a statement, saying, "Hazing is harmful, unacceptable and has no place in our community. The actions that led to this decision do not reflect the values or true purpose of Greek life. Greek organizations should stand for leadership, service, friendship and personal growth."
"As a council, we are committed to promoting education, accountability, and a culture where every member feels safe and respected," the statement says. "We will continue to take hazing seriously, and work to ensure our community upholds the integrity of Greek life."
Sigma Nu will not be allowed to reapply for recognition until 2031. Additionally, Sigma Nu's national organization suspended the fraternity's charter.
The full redacted investigation report can be found online.
